15. February 2012 by Teri Ellis.

On October 15, 2011, I posted the number of active listings, pending listings in the Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona markets as well as closed listings as of July 30! See my article at: http://www.azladyinredrealestateblog.com/update-on-phoenix-and-mesa-inventory-sales-and-activity/

A quick recap of the October 15 numbers:

“In our entire multiple listing area:  as of today, there are 19,783 active listings.

In Phoenix: there are 3,883 ACTIVE listings, there are 3,082 PENDING, and 5,252 have CLOSED since July 30, 2011.

In Mesa: there are currently 1,642 ACTIVE listings, 1,018 PENDING, and 1,848 CLOSED since July 30, 2011.”

As of TODAY, February 15, 2012, there are 17,034 Active listings! Downward trend in available homes for sale across the board. As a reminder, this number includes: other counties and cities outside of the Phoenix Metropolitan area! I’ll break down the numbers as I did in October as I remind my readers, in January 2005, we had less than 7,000 active listings! We are headed that way now. The pickings are slim these days for great properties, but they are out there. It just takes more looking, more negotiating, and more work – but we CAN make it happen.

In Phoenix: there are 2,903 active listings, 3,116 pending listings, and as of October 15, 2011, 7,445 closed!

In Mesa: there are 1,290 active listings, 1,090 pending listings, and 2,767 have closed since October 15, 2011!

We now have 2,749 less available homes for sale than we did in October! The inventory is definitely doing down – watching to see what it does in the future. Meanwhile…….

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14. February 2012 by Teri Ellis.

I grew up in Arizona! Back in the 50’s we had no air conditioning, but as a child, I don’t remember it being a problem. We played in the water and in the irrigation ditches and drank from hoses when thirsty. We survived the heat. Coming from a large family, we were always busy playing and enjoying being able to go barefoot. That was always important to us since we knew as soon as the ground was warm enough, our mother would allow us to remove our shoes.

I love Arizona! There are so many beautiful places to see! Weather is wonderful during the winter especially, but during the summer, there are myriad areas to camp, to fish, to boat, to visit just a short trip to the mountains or to the lakes.

As a child, we would camp at Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona, for two weeks sleeping in tents, or outside, bathing in the cold, cold streams. My dad would leave while we were sleeping and catch fish for breakfast.  Good memories.

Arizona is considered part of the Southwestern United States and is bordered by New Mexico to the east, Utah to the north, Nevada to the northwest, California to the west, its northeast corner touches part of Colorado, this area is known as the Four Corners. To the south of Arizona is the country Mexico with which it shares a border of 389 miles. The state is called the "Grand Canyon State" and the "Copper State" as it is the home of the Grand Canyon and has produced large amounts of copper from its mineral deposits.

Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912 and became the 48th state accepted into the United States. The state capital is Phoenix, which also is the largest city in the state. Phoenix is the largest capital city in the US.

Arizona’s climate can be very hot. In Phoenix, the average temperature is about 107 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. AND it has been known to occasionally get up to 120! AND we enjoy monsoons in July/August which cools us down, but then humidity kicks in. BUT, no matter what, I can always go outside utilizing the conveniences of air conditioning in my car, in my home, in the markets, etc.

So far this winter, I don’t believe we’ve dipped much below 60 (which is cold for us Arizonans!) February has been pretty much in the high 60’s and 70’s, and beautiful!

During the winter months, many people migrate to Arizona to enjoy the mild weather. After spending a couple of months here, they often purchase a home to return to every winter. For those living here full time, there are mountains close by where it is at least 20 degrees cooler than the valley. Many purchase a second home in those mountains and commute to the valley once a month or so.

Happy Birthday Arizona!!!

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1. February 2012 by Teri Ellis.

I share my personal musings on Valentine’s Day and what “special” attention can be given to those you love!

Funny how this differs with men than for women. As a woman, I “personally” DO like flowers.  Since I’m married, I tend to be a bit frugal about spending lots of money on flowers -  but flowers are still welcome!  Chocolates (really good ones) are indeed something wonderful! I prefer See’s, but have been known to enjoy less expensive candy. One rose would do as well…actually the thought really DOES count. Remember your woman on Valentine’s Day with a thoughtful card and a single rose, or box of candy. If you listen – really – well, you’ll know just what would please her.

Now, as for my hubby, I just get him a card with lots of love ‘cause that’s exactly what he likes. Over the years, I would choose a red shirt and a card, but always something red along with chocolate for him.

When my children were small, I would select a red article of clothing and place that along with a heart-shaped box of See’s candy by their plate at dinner. They always liked that. My daughter has continued that tradition with her family.

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